Aylsham Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The most striking anomaly in Aylsham's January 2025 crime statistics is the unexpected surge in shoplifting, which rose from zero to four incidents—a 100% increase compared to December 2024. This jump contrasts sharply with the area's generally low crime profile, where the overall rate of 3.9 per 1,000 residents remains 45.1% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.4% of all crimes, with 12 incidents reported.6 per 1,000 is still 36% below the UK average for this category. Seasonal factors may partially explain the data: January's post-holiday period, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours likely contributed to the lower overall crime rate, particularly for outdoor crimes. However, the spike in shoplifting suggests a shift in criminal activity, possibly linked to seasonal demand for goods or changes in local retail patterns. Aylsham's built-up area within the rural Broadland region typically experiences lower crime rates due to its smaller population and community-centric layout, but the January figures reveal a nuanced picture where specific crime types defy expectations. The dominance of violent crimes over property crimes—a reversal of the UK-wide trend—adds another layer to the area's crime profile, hinting at local dynamics such as social interactions in the town's limited public spaces.

The most significant month-on-month change in January 2025 was the 100% increase in shoplifting, with four incidents reported compared to zero in December. This shift, coupled with a 100% rise in public order offences and a doubling of robbery cases, highlights an unusual spike in non-violent crimes. Despite these increases, violent crime rates in Aylsham remained 36% below the UK average, with 12 incidents (1.6 per 1,000 residents) compared to the national rate of 2.5 per 1,000. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 25%, from four to three cases, possibly reflecting seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity. The breakdown also reveals that anti-social behaviour, while contributing 17.2% of total crimes, was 29% below the UK average, suggesting local community policing efforts may be effective. Residents might find the 100% rise in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a new challenge for local businesses and law enforcement. This data underscores the need to monitor specific crime trends even in areas with historically low crime rates, as isolated spikes can signal emerging patterns.

Aylsham's crime rate in January 2025 rose by 11.7% compared to December 2024, moving from 3.5 to 3.9 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is modest, it is important to contextualise it within the area's broader picture: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 256 residents, a figure that places Aylsham firmly in the lower end of the UK crime spectrum. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day, a rate that is exceptionally low compared to national averages. This monthly exposure of 1-in-256 residents is significantly better than the UK's average of roughly 1-in-140, reflecting Aylsham's status as a small, built-up area within a rural region. The population context further highlights the disparity: with 7,424 residents, Aylsham's total of 29 crimes represents a crime rate that is 45.1% below the UK average. This suggests that the area's infrastructure, community cohesion, and limited urban density contribute to its low crime profile, even as specific categories like shoplifting show unexpected volatility. While the increase from December to January is notable, the overall trajectory remains one of relative safety compared to the UK as a whole.